U.S. gives Mideast nations millions in free weapons

WASHINGTON — The United States plans to give several Middle East nations hundreds of millions of dollars in free weapons but is demanding greater accountability from Washington's allies.

Last week, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the Security Assistance Act of 2000, which provides millions in foreign military aid and training to developing nations. They include Greece, Turkey, Egypt and Israel.

The Pentagon plans to deliver three surplus Knox-class naval frigates to Greece. Turkey will be allowed to lease two Oliver Hazard Perry class guided missile frigates. Ankara will have an option to buy the vessels.

The biggest recipients of U.S. aid are again Israel and Egypt. Israel will receive more than $1.9 billion in 2001 and Egypt will receive $1.3 billion in each of the next two fiscal years.

Congress has also allocated more money for International Military Education and Training. In 2001, the United States will fund its allies $55 million and the following year $65 million for military training.

The House bill is the first in 15 years that authorizes military aid. Arms control experts called the bill a step forward because of its provisions for greater transparency and accountability for U.S. arms exports.

These include a requirement that any U.S. ally must have similiar defense export laws to that of Washington before it is granted license exemptions for unclassified arms transfers. Congress also directed the State Department to include commercial weapons delivery data in the annual report that details U.S. arms transfers to foreign countries.